instructions for ChairZazen

[Kokuu]

JUNDO NOTE - Please see my criticism of this pamphlet below.

Dear all

A useful post by James Ford on sitting zazen in a chair which may be useful for our members who find it challenging to sit on a cushion. The instructions are taken from a Sotoshu pamphlet.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/monkey...air-zazen.html

The pamphlet itself is here: https://www.sotozen-net.or.jp/wp2/wp...hair_zazen.pdf

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Jishin]

This is very nice. Thank you Kokuu.


Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Shinshi]

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Meitou]

Very useful, thank you Kokuu
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Jundo]

This is very bad.

It is strange that they left out any mention of not judging and allowing thoughts to pass. It is a great omission, and I wonder how that is not included. The physical aspect of sitting is very helpful, but this is not a complete instruction in Shikantaza.

I would also add that one should sit in one's chair as the throne of Buddha, the one place to be and act needed in the whole universe in that moment ... absolutely nothing lacking, and no "distraction" ever possible ... but I (inspired by Dogen) am prone to say such things that could scare away newcomers.

It is my feeling that some of the Japanese priests are pushing a kind of watered down relaxation mindfulness these days, but it is just my suspicion.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Kokuu]

Hi Jundo

I saw it as a set of instructions for the physical nature of zazen rather than a complete guide, more of an addition to Fukanzazengi than a replacement for it.

The pamphlet could have been more explicit about that or included a part about watching thoughts pass.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Jundo]

Hi Jundo

I saw it as a set of instructions for the physical nature of zazen rather than a complete guide, more of an addition to Fukanzazengi than a replacement for it.

The pamphlet could have been more explicit about that or included a part about watching thoughts pass.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Hmmm, I don't think so since they included very specific instructions on more than just chair use, such as about preparing the room, the breath and eyes, so I think it could have been better.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Shōnin Risa Bear]

My last time on a seiza bench, alas, was about a year ago, and I never did manage a cushion. So now I am inspired by the memorial statue of Mugai Nyodai in her abbot's chair. No more moon in the water. _()_

gassho, doyu, sat today

[Meian]

I saved the PDF pamphlet for later reference. It includes things to consider that I never thought of. Some things, I am unable to do because of structural problems, but I am so used to modifying and adapting, I just work around things now. I actually "gave up" on traditional zazen a while ago when I realized that it always causes me pain and to fall asleep as a result. But this article has some interesting suggestions that I can modify, and noted on the reminder to letting thoughts pass while not judging.

gassho
kim
st/lh